Hailstorms are common in Kentucky. They strike fast and hit hard. Many drivers deal with cracked windshields, dented hoods, or shattered glass after a storm. These natural misfortunes pop up throughout the year, so you need to know if your auto insurance covers hail damage.
Auto insurance does cover hail damage, but only if you carry comprehensive coverage. This part of your policy covers non-collision events such as hail, fallen branches, or vandalism. Without comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for hail-damaged glass or body panels.
Here’s a detailed look at what insurance covers, what it doesn’t, how windshield claims work, and how to file a hail damage claim.
Is Hail Damage Covered by Car Insurance?
The Short Answer
Windshield hail damage is covered when you have comprehensive coverage. This part of your policy handles non-collision events.
Hail, storms, falling debris, theft, and vandalism all fall under this category. If you only carry liability insurance, hail damage isn’t covered.
What Comprehensive Coverage Pays For
Comprehensive coverage pays for wide-ranging hail-related damage. It covers cracked or smashed windshields and broken side or rear windows.
It also includes dents in your hood, roof, doors, and fenders. If the storm damages mirrors or lights, those are covered too. The goal is simple: to restore your vehicle to its pre-storm condition.
What Insurance Won’t Cover
Insurance won’t pay for hail damage if you only have liability coverage. Regular auto insurance only covers damage caused by accidents involving other vehicles and doesn’t cover damage caused by natural disasters or weather conditions.
It also won’t cover old, unrepaired damage. If the adjuster believes the dents or cracks existed before the storm, the claim may be denied.
Insurers may also deny claims if your policy has lapsed, so keep your coverage active and file quickly to avoid issues.
Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage to Windshields?
Windshield Coverage Under Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage pays for hail-damaged windshields. It covers chips, long cracks, and fully shattered glass.
Most insurers will try to repair small chips first. Repairs cost less and help you avoid a full replacement. If the crack is too large or the glass is unsafe, the insurer will approve a replacement.
Kentucky’s Glass Coverage Rules
Kentucky is a “zero-deductible” state for comprehensive policies. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurer covers the full cost of windshield repairs or replacements with no out-of-pocket expense.
They’re not allowed to charge you a deductible for this type of claim. Even better, the law also doesn’t allow insurers to increase your premiums after a windshield claim.
.OEM vs. Aftermarket Glass
Insurance companies often prefer aftermarket glass because it costs less. Some policies allow OEM glass if the vehicle is newer or if the driver requests it and pays the difference.
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, technicians use high-quality materials and safe installation methods either way. The goal is simple: to restore strength, clarity, and safety after a hailstorm.
So, we’ll always use the best materials available and help you with the claims process.
What Is Auto Hail Damage Insurance?
“Auto hail damage insurance” isn’t a separate policy. It’s simply another way of describing comprehensive coverage. This part of your insurance protects your vehicle from non-collision events like hail, wind, falling branches, theft, and vandalism.
If you hear someone mention hail insurance, they’re referring to this coverage.
Why This Coverage Matters
Hail damage happens fast and can get expensive. A single storm can crack your windshield, dent your hood, and break side glass.
Comprehensive coverage absorbs those costs and keeps you from paying out of pocket. In a state like Kentucky with frequent storms, this coverage is essential.
How Claims Usually Work
After a storm, the insurer reviews the damage by sending an adjuster to inspect the vehicle in person or requesting photos.
Once approved, you choose a repair shop. Glass damage is often handled first because it affects visibility and safety.
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, the team works directly with insurers, which speeds up the claim process.
How to File a Hail Damage Claim
What to Do Right After a Hailstorm
Check your vehicle once the storm passes. Look for cracked glass, chipped windshields, and dents.
Take clear photos from multiple angles to support your refund claim. Along with your photos, note the size of the hailstones, the date, and the time of the storm.
Don’t drive if the windshield is shattered or if vision is blocked. Cover any broken windows to keep rain out.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Immediately call your insurer or file the claim through their app. Give them the storm date, your location, and a short description of the damage.
Upload your photos as well, and your insurer will assign you an adjuster.
Don’t Drive; Call for Mobile Repairs or Get Towed
If you cannot drive your car, call for a mobile auto glass repair service or get it towed to an auto shop. Please do not attempt to drive with broken windows, as it can be dangerous and cause further damage to your vehicle.
You may also get pulled over by the police and receive a citation for driving with damaged auto glass.
Rite-Way Helps with Insurance Claims
At Rite-Way, we understand the stress and confusion that come with dealing with insurance claims. Insurance processing takes time, and you need to get back on the road as soon as possible.
Let’s say we arrive at your remote location and you need windshield repair. In this case, we can assist with the insurance claims process by communicating directly with your insurance company on your behalf.
We’re acquainted and conversant with the filing process of various insurance providers. So, we’ll make the process smoother and faster for you.
We even offer direct billing to some major insurance companies, making it even more convenient for our customers. You won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket and waiting for reimbursement.
How Insurance Payouts Work
Let’s say you have time to wait for your insurance payout. Here’s how it goes.
Initial Estimate vs. Final Repair Cost
Your adjuster provides an initial estimate, but the number isn’t final because shops often find more damage once repairs begin.
In such cases, the shop sends a supplemental estimate to your insurer. The insurer reviews it and approves the additional amount if it’s tied to the hailstorm.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Total Loss
If your vehicle’s repair cost is close to its value, the insurer may declare it a total loss. They’ll use the vehicle’s ACV, which is its market value before the storm.
You receive a payout minus your deductible, which may apply for total loss situations. If you still owe money on the vehicle, the payout goes to the lender first.
Direct Pay vs. Reimbursement
Many insurers pay the repair shop directly. Some reimburse you after you provide receipts.
Ask how your insurer handles payouts, so you know what to expect. Therefore, keep copies of everything to avoid delays.
Rental Car Coverage
If your policy includes rental coverage, request a rental while your car is in the shop.
Note that coverage limits vary. Some policies cover a daily amount; others cover a specific number of days.
If you don’t have rental coverage, ask the repair shop about loaner vehicles. Book early because rentals fill up fast after a big hailstorm.
Preventing Future Hail Damage
Use Covered Parking Whenever Possible
Park in a garage, carport, or under any solid structure when storms are predicted. When away from home, go to covered or underground parking lots.
Even a temporary shelter can reduce or prevent dents and cracked glass.
Keep a Hail Protection Cover in Your Trunk
Hail blankets and inflatable hail protectors absorb impact. They’re easy to store and quick to deploy.
These covers won’t stop every dent, but they significantly reduce damage during moderate storms. Choose weather-rated covers that secure tightly so they don’t blow off.
Stay Weather-Aware
- Subscribe to concerning weather alerts on your phone.
- Monitor forecasts during hail season in Kentucky.
- Early warning gives you time to move your car to safety.
- Most hailstorms last only a few minutes, so quick action matters.
Maintain Your Auto Glass and Body
Small chips crack faster during hail storms, so repair them immediately after noticing them. Your roof and hood should also be in great condition because weakened paint can lead to rust after hail damage.
Routine maintenance lowers your risk of major storm-related repairs.
Final Thoughts
Hail damage can feel overwhelming, but the process is manageable when you act quickly. Start by checking your vehicle and documenting everything with clear photos and notes.
Use insurance to replace windshields to avoid out-of-pocket expenses and save some money. Call your insurer right away, and let them know you’re filing a claim.
Work with trusted repair shops like us, keep all your paperwork, and ask questions if anything seems unclear. Also, a little preparation goes a long way. Covered parking, hail protection covers, and weather alerts help you avoid future damage and reduce repair costs.
